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Currently transiting: Loch Lomond, Scotland | Previous destination: Kernavė Archaeological Site, Lithuania

Wednesday 25 February 2009

Let Us Add Value : Dear Malaysian Politicians

The following message will be published as a full page ad in The Star tomorrow, reproduced from Anas Zubedy's blog.

Dear Malaysian Politicians,

Please stop the power chase, call for a truce and focus on the economy.

I do not claim to speak on behalf of all Malaysians, but I have strong convictions that many share my sentiments.

Our concern today is not who rules the country or heads the state governments but the looming bad economy.

Whether Barisan Nasional or Pakatan Rakyat leads, it is meaningless if Malaysians have no job to go to, no money to pay rent and no means to put food on the table.

I am a business owner, like other business owners and managers of corporations I have a responsibility to ensure people under my care and payroll continue to have jobs and a decent income to take home. We work hard and willing to go the extra mile to make sure our nation not only survive this crisis but come out stronger and wiser. We need your help.

Let me explain. I am in the business of Training, Development and Consultancy and have 20 people in my team.

Saedah is 42. She keeps the office clean and helps organise the training rooms. She has four children and her husband is unemployed. She was first hired on a part time basis, because she is very hard working and has a great attitude, we offered her a full time job to help provide a stable income for her family. Even then, when her third child started school this year, it was a struggle for her to buy new school uniforms and other necessities. Saedah lives on a ‘kais bulan, makan bulan’ basis, so, if she is jobless, her tap runs dry.

Samsuri is 27 years old. He lives with his sister and her family in a low cost government flat in Sunway. He does our despatch, helps with various clerical works and occasionally acts as a driver. During the first week at zubedy, we learned that he not only did not have money to buy new clothes and shoes for work, he had no money for lunch. Like Saedah, if he has no job, his tap runs dry too.

Alicia in Client Servicing turns 26 this year. She lives with her dad who is 71 years old and retired. Her mom passed away when she was little. Alicia is a hard-working team member, has a gentle caring outlook and fun to be with. (We like to poke fun at her as she blushes easily). Last May her dad went through a major operation, thank God he has recovered well. Alicia needs a job, both for herself and her dad.

Sudesh, 38, is one of our facilitators. When his father passed away last year, he moved back and lives with his mother in Seremban. He shuttles between Kuala Lumpur and Seremban daily, leaving home sometimes as early as 4 in the morning and returning late at night. He is no stranger to hard work and sacrifice, he knows what he needs to do to survive and to care for his mother, but he too needs a job.

Like fellow Malaysians, every one of us in zubedy needs employment, those that live from hand to mouth like Saedah and Samsuri and others like Alicia and Sudesh with family to care for. We Malaysians need the Malaysian economy to be strong. We need you, our leaders, to work hard and to work together to make our economy viable.

So this is my plea.

Pakatan Rakyat, please stop your attempts to take over the federal government and persuade BN’s lawmakers to join you. Stop all legal proceedings, no more 916 and let go, just let go. The nation can wait till the next general elections if they want change. By doing so, Malaysians will see your party as caring, unselfish and gracious and give you their support in the next elections.

Barisan Nasional, please stop any attempts to take over PR states and win over PR’s lawmakers. You have proven your point with Perak. The nation can wait for the next general elections if they want your party. Focus all your talent, energy and hard work in steering the country out of an economic downturn. By doing so, Malaysians will see your party as caring, unselfish and smart and give you their support in the next elections.

BN and PR! Call for a truce. Get together and compromise. Someone has to give in. Or has hate consumed your heart till it blinds you? You can do it. You have enough intelligent people between you. I am sure you can find solutions. Take the nation to heart. That is why you are in politics in the first place.

Focus on the people.

Focus on the economy.

Anas Zubedy
Managing Director
Zubedy (M) Sdn Bhd

Saturday 21 February 2009

Life In Motion: Symphonic Resonance

Symphonic Resonance - the theme of the night at Dewan Sri Pinang. Never mind the picture of the Austrian Parliament in Vienna below; I was carried away. Back home, it was full house and the audience was feted to an excellent repertory of music pieces, both classical and contemporary. I wonder until the end why didn't they include the themes from the anime Blood+. Oh well...


The boys and girls of the Jit Sin Philharmonic Orchestra (the Chinese Orchestra is on its way) did very well and I will not compare them to the pros. All in unison, perfectly timed and synchronized. A joy to watch them. These guys (and gals) are a bunch of talented people and - I may add - bright.

Like I've mentioned earlier (here), those on stage tonight will one day travel down the road least taken; one which will lead to their desire and passion being made a reality. How many make music their profession? And I'm not talking about being a part-time music teacher; much less to make music a hobby.

My only complain of the night besides some unruly behaviour of some students (how I miss school life) are the seats in the hall. High time somebody do something about it. On the whole, it was a good experience. I best start out here before splashing on the MPO in KLCC. After all, I'm no musician but one learning to appreciate them.

My respect is ever that high for these fellas on the stage. Each with their instruments and however loud (or soft), each contributes to the piece being performed. The theme from Pirates of the Caribbean (oh, here's Hans Zimmer) was great and I love the energy of it. Gum-Suckers March and the Blue Danube were other wonderful ones.

To the JSPO and to them who dream and dare make music a goal, I say to you all, "Bravo!"

Danube so blue, so bright and blue,
through vale and field you flow so calm,
our Vienna greets you, you silver stream
through all the lands you merry the heart
with your beautiful shores...

Thursday 19 February 2009

Jobs, Environment, and the Head Honcho

Disgruntled sacked worker shoots former boss is the headline in The Star Online. All over, everyone is feeling the effects of the global economic slowdown - layoffs, salary cut, and long holidays. I'm not in the position to comment on the victim since I don't know what he was like. We'll let the police handle that.

I wish to highlight the kind of treatment some bosses and heads of department give to their employees, particularly "fresh graduates" like myself. These freshies are deemed as an incompetent lot and suggestions are thrown out the moment they were voiced out. Contract terms may not be followed by their bosses and they're asked not to "calculate too much" with the company. They acquiesced.

Though not mentioned in the law, I'd go so far as to say that they're being exploited - sub-standard working environment and maltreatment. By maltreatment, I meant the berating and unfair job delegations. It includes unrealistic expectations on the employer's part and the carefree shift of responsibilities when things go awry.

Imagine what they'd do to foreign workers.

For goodness' sake, how can these employers expect the "dumb and incompetent" freshies to prove their worth when ideas and suggestions are shot down; their every step and thoughts dictated for them. It's ironic why they'd hire people to fill a position when the employee can't even be trusted. Why not consult university lecturers?

How'd I react to headlines like the above? Impassive and often, I'd think it has got to do with the employer's treatment, management and relationship with his/her employees. I'd never know since it's unreported. We're only seeking respect and trust. It doesn't matter if one's reprimanded for a mistake but it does matter when the blame is shifted to us dumb, incompetent black sheep. For such a person, I won't bat an eyelid when calamity befalls you or your family.
To those laid off, hang in there. Take time off and pick up the pieces. Enjoy the holiday and come back refresh. Fight another day.

Sunday 15 February 2009

Life In Motion: A Deluge of Messages

There'll be sad songs to make you cry,
Love songs often do,
They can touch the heart of someone new
Saying I love you...

"They'd make me smile too. Some wordings are meaningful." I thought to myself. The clock displays 23:56 on the digital readout. Billy Ocean is wrapping up Valentine's Day.

I continued reading the latest issue of Time. Suddenly, the cellphone vibrated. A message from a friend. It reads:
... a ticket for Jit Sin Chinese Orchestra...
Sweet. I can hardly wait.


***

I never knew that the first message and the first call last night were the ones that opened the floodgates to a deluge of messages and phone calls up until now. Well, it sure is nice to know that they remembered me. All I could is to say thank you and to tell them how much I appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Even my aunt sent a message that reads:
...God unfolds each day like the petals of a rose. Each one is a beauty to behold. May each of your moments be touched by His tender loving hands...
It isn't the content nor the length of the calls and messages but rather the thoughts. Another one arrived a moment ago and like all the messages and calls, it begins with "Happy Birthday".

Aging gracefully? Hope so.

Saturday 14 February 2009

Valentine: Living the Day

To the lovebirds,
May the nest be warm and every moment, sweet

To the dateless,
May the right one comes, otherwise, be happy since being alone is a blessing too

To the heartbroken ones,
May past experiences teach you to love, be loved, and be wary

As for me, I'm indulging in good music and good food in my bed
Alas, the stress and horror of work continues to haunt and buffet me.

Shoutouts to: Gan, Wei Wong, Yin Kuan, Sophie, [beloved supervisor] Normi, Mary Ann, and Mira [in Seoul]. Not forgetting [muted] visitors here.

Friday 13 February 2009

Send-A-Mail-To-The-President Drive

Students send e-mails to Obama to -- what?! I'm out of words for the "ingenuity" of some people to stop the conflict in West Asia. How should I begin?

History showed us that talks and discussions often involved a third person, a mediator. Some were successful and some ultimately failed. So far so good. I wouldn't criticize people, in this case the students, opposed to war and it's fine with me if they show solidarity with the Palestinians. Some are passionate and sincere, and I respect that. But there's one thing they ought to understand (and made to understand): It takes two to tango. If I have people lobbing grenades into my residence, I wouldn't look at that person and flash the "peace" sign.

I'm opposed to war and violence but these aren't happening only in Palestine. Take five and think for a moment, we'd come up with many hotspots in the world. Now, don't people die in these places? Aren't there violence and injustice?

It's good to inculcate love and the desire for peace in each and every child. I would, in addition to war and violence, talk to them about showing sympathy (for people and for animals), respect, the evil of corruption as well as the importance to have non-vacillating principles.

Camp David Accords, Egyptian–Israeli Peace Treaty, Oslo Accords, Taba Summit, Arab Peace Initiative, and the list goes on. Like I said, these talks and meeting ended with varying outcomes running the gamut from success to inconclusivity to failure but each is a milestone to achieve a possible peace in that region. To those that didn't take part in such discourse could do more than just burn flags, call for boycott, and now we have "Send the President an E-mail". It's true that the US could do more (I remembered seeing the picture of Rabin, Clinton, and Arafat) but like everyone else in the current economic situation, people are busy stimulating the economy. For all the talks held in various parts of the world and engineered by both the US and EU, the outcome hinged on the willingness of both parties (Israel and Palestine) to accept terms. If both are hard-headed, what else could others do?

If we have the resources and manpower, why not aid the suffering Palestinians directly? We sure have enough doctors. I'd be begging to join Mercy if I were a doctor. Leave all the talks to the politicians, which incidentally, think more of politicking than governing. There are many more pressing issues affecting the nation and the world at large and it'd be an oversight to just dwell on a matter. By all means, help the Palestinians but I can't stand the hypocrisy behind the drive. Do more and talk less. By doing, I meant actions that aren't laughable.

Anyone care to join me in sending PM Abdullah e-mails?

Thursday 12 February 2009

Calling Sadists and Gluttons...

This one goes out to despicable people mentioned in the title. Turn away from your dastardly deeds of torturing animals and sending them to the cooking pot just to satiate your disgusted appetite. Learn to appreciate nature and its creation. Learn to love not only your own kind. Wipe away that smirk on your face and open wide that eyes which gleam with malice.

Behold, the latest sensation on the net. Sam (above) and boyfriend (?) (below)

Wednesday 11 February 2009

Love

I am the poet's elation,
and the artist's revelation.
And the musician's inspiration.

People called me eros
Others labelled me as phileo
Whilst some categorized me as agape

For what was and that which will be
Everything and everyone revolves around me

Monday 9 February 2009

Life in Motion: The Types of People I Love

The flight took off after a 30-minute delay. With each passing seconds, the white tension fabric roof of the airport shrink into a mass without definable shapes. I could no longer make out each of the pointed cone-like structures. A moment ago, it was a unique architecture to behold. The golden rays cast an orangey hue to what appears like a snow-capped mountain peaks at dawn and dusk.

"I'd visit the Rockies next time", I thought to myself.


Time to plug the earphones in. The in-flight entertainment in this craft doesn't come with the AVOD, just a simple music selection when you plug the airline-issued headphone into the jack at the armrest. My own list of music would sound better and definitely more entertaining than the movie being shown now, the one I've seen for a few times now. Though not the noise-cancelling type, the rather costly earphone plugged into my ears is serving me well. The cabin sound quickly become a white noise. First two on the list are scores from the anime Blood+, composed by Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. Next comes the song Diva by Elin Carlson, written and produced by Mancina. Piano, guitar, and drum form the majority of intruments heard in the songs played. Some slow and some fast, with an addictive beat. Eyes closed but I'm enjoying every moment of it. The melodies and sound made by traditional instruments did transport me back in time too.

These people, the musicians, especially those who make a living but may not necessarily make it big, are those I hold in high regards and with utmost respect. These folks create some of the best tunes and melodies we've heard all our lives. To pass a slighting remark on musicians is unforgivable. I will not turn away or lose interest just because musicians don't earn four to five figures a month. I remembered how these gifted individuals serenaded the guests at my convocation barely a year ago. The ensemble may not be the best of the world but it certainly is a level above everyone in that hall. Without such people, wouldn't life be a boring and mundane affair? Living each day void of music would be unimaginably difficult. Since I don't play any instruments, I'd take the role of an audience, appreciating the music. The music continues and the voices of K, Kanon, Angela Aki, Watanabe Manami of Jyukai, as well as the noteworthy voice of Hajime Chitose, one with a falsetto effect, continues to lull me. The faster ones like Mai Mirai and Kyuukei Jikan Juppun by Saeka Uura add a vibrant touch and provided an uplifting mood to an otherwise dull and somewhat turbulent journey. Then comes the ballads, in Mandarin, Malay, English, and even Spanish. Wonderfully composed; meaningful words structured to blend harmoniously with the message of the song. Gosh, creative people!

"Excuse me, Miss", I called out to the air hostess after she attended to the passenger in front. "Could I have a slice of lemon please?"

"A moment, sir."

I looked out through the arcylic glass and it's already dark, occasionally lighted by flashes of lightning.

She returned with two slices of lemon, "Here you go".

Her face resembled that of Kitahara Aiko, the girl singing Sekaijuu doko wo sagashitemo, now playing halfway through the 3:22 duration.

"Anything else, sir?"

Realizing I've been staring at her, smiling. "Err, no. Thank you very much."

"You're welcome. We'd serve you ginger tea for dinner later", she said before walking away.

Another 16 hours of flying and I have about twice the playing time, well, as claimed by Apple. For now, I'd continue sucking the lemon slices and let the music do its wonders. Fantastic people, creative and gifted. I was envious but now, I'm full of admiration and occasionally, I'd perform with them, imaginarily that is.

Friday 6 February 2009

Have a One-Rueful Weekend

Oh well, the net did come alive last night and today as well and everywhere, there is no shortage of commentaries by the commoners as well as legal experts. Many said how the Sultan has erred and how the appointment of the new Mentri Besar is unconstitutional. But hey, they don't care at all.

The gates were locked and the legitimate guy shut out but allowed in after that only to be asked to vacate the premise. Everything happened so quick especially the swearing-in of the new guy. The lay guys also learned a precious lesson today; that a people-elected government was shown the door and from the backdoor, the new ones come in; together with the turncoats.

The people made it very clear, on March 8, their choice of government but it has been overturned despite all the talks of an ideal democratic governance.

I regret what happened.

Time being, I'd remember this guy people called "wonderful", one put into office by the people but unceremoniously booted out, physically and from power.


Perak MB, YAB Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin, consoling Lok Min Yee, 10, whose father died an explosion in a tunnel in Perak (Source: MarGeeMar)

PS. One may say it's for publicity but I've seen real publicity and the manifestation of rhetorics without any conviction. Liked this pic and I can't find any others, perhaps others don't do that.

A Creed to Live By

by Nancye Sims

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Don't set your goals by what other people deem important.
Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life, for without them life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future.
By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give.
Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect.
It is this fragile thread that binds us to each other.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks.
It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give love.
The fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly;
and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't dismiss your dreams.
To be without dreams is to be without hope;
to be without hope is to be without purpose.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been,
but also where you're going.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way.

Thursday 5 February 2009

Aphonia

Gagged and bound
Democracy, more or less, lost - never to be found
Today, jubilant supporters went to town
To celebrate an underhand victory - hands down

I'm against two-legged frogs
Who jumped at whatever bait en bloc
Shameful ones don't represent us
But a manifestation of our fears

People fear a government with a torn moral fabric
With only enough fibres to cover it's nakedness
It's sad that the people fell victim to the antic
Powerless and dumb, a government not established by ballot boxes

The Ruler of the state has spoken
And I only to keep quiet and listen
To them that are affected today
Bite the bullet and fight another day.

Wednesday 4 February 2009

Are You for Sale?

How much?

The love for money is a very powerful motivation for one to betray their principles. It's sad how one would stoop so low, I said would. For those who thought, after reading the few lines, I'm alluding to the current situation in Perak, you're wrong. After all, it was alleged not proven but I'm talking history here.

Before I proceed, let me reiterate that I'm fully aware that there are good and bad people wherever they claim to represent or swear allegiance to.

Now, from all the drama and brouhaha, it is the people that's being played. Played by folks who lied through their teeth and by the very same people who serves only their interest. To the Rulers, make wise decisions and let the people decide their own fate. We're sick of all the plays and be, unfortunately, a part of it. It's a shame to hear how elected representatives say, "I'd serve better by jumping and changing colours". Or to made known how sorry and enlightened you are by the current state of affair.

We don't buy these cock-and-bull stories and a snap election in Perak would the best way out. These events are orchestrated and to allow a formation of a new government without an election isn't the right thing to do. It's illegitimate to say the least. A few Judases who betrayed our trust doesn't speak for all of us. Give us our voice.

"...short term gains that subvert the aspirations of the people will come at a heavy price in the longer term."

Tuesday 3 February 2009

Life in Motion: Tripped and Fell

It's been a hectic and a depressing week. People come and go. Some leave their marks whilst others, scars. Then the news of someone's passing didn't make things any better. Life - how fragile and unexpected. People - how unpredictable and cruel. Me - how silly and fortunate.

When the going gets tough, I stopped and camped by the dirt path; getting sand in my face and looked up to scornful gaze, mocking laughter. Then I tore open the wrapper and gulped down the chocolate bar, nearly choking. Uncapped my canteen and emptied the content.

I looked at the scribbling on the bottom, heaved a sigh and smiled. It read:

aim for the moon, so that if you fall short, you will at least land on the stars

But I need a short nap now...

Monday 2 February 2009

Boss' Here

Bossini, a leading clothing line and an enterprise of the same name founded in 1987 in Hong Kong. Here, the word could be separated to mean Bos sini or Boss here. Since the people has worn many types of clothing with the message "Abolish ISA", "Bersih - Coalition for Clean & Fair Election", "I'm with RPK", and many others; all in different colours.

I think this time, people ought to wear something that screams: Boss Here! I'm your boss! and this one goes out to the bickering policiticians. The election's over and it's already February, a month shy of the 1st anniversary of the political tsunami. Whether you won or lost, don't you guys think it's time to get to work? The economy's down, prices up, and time's bad.

Policticking and governing are two different things and you can't govern properly if everyday is spent on who's jumping ship from one party to another. We "employed" you then, not to make mountains out of molehill. For those wanting to jump ship, then get out quick and I hope the sharks below are happy. We don't need such representatives. Clean up, party's over and please get back to work. And by work, I mean real issues affecting the people and not things like how big your official cars are.

Remember that your boss, the people, is watching.

Sunday 1 February 2009

Here, take mine...

We've heard of people signing up to be an organ donor in the in the unfortunate event when death comes. Then I read of the oft-published touching story of how a person donated a part of his/her organs to a loved one.

That got me thinking, would I or those registered donors be willing to part with our organs - while alive? Of course I don't mean donating out of love to the point of causing disability to the donor. People say all sorts of things like, "I'd swim the sea of fire just for you". Some would try to pluck the stars from their places in the night sky and some would even kill or take a bullet for their loved ones (ah, we see this in males). But what about donating an organ; in some cases knowing full well that it may bring about some ill effects?

Would you? Would I?
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